"Olomouc- the hidden jewel of the Czech Republic" Top 5 Page for this destination Olomouc by GentleSpirit

Olomouc Travel Guide: 253 reviews and 842 photos

Still off the beaten track

Olomouc is often mentioned as having the second highest concentration of historically important items in the Czech Republic. Still, this is a city that has no postcard racks, no tshirt shops, no buses loaded with day trippers. There are tourists, but not that many. There were no lines at all at any of the city's sights and you had this delightful feeling of having the place to yourself.

This only adds to Olomouc's charm. It is a relaxed, beautiful city with a lot to offer. The people that say that it is like a miniature Prague without all the tourists are not far off the mark. Its like you are invited to come and see a real city going about its daily life with no great fussing or complications.

Olomouc is located in Moravia, in the eastern part of Czech Republic. Historically, this area was considered part of Czech Silesia with a large population of German-speaking Czechs. Olomouc itself has a population of about 102,000 and is the seat of the Olomouc Region.

First Visit

Most people use Olomouc as a stopover on the road to Krakow or Prague, just staying overnight before moving on. Sure, you could rush through and see many of the city's sights in a few hours in you wanted to. Olomouc is compact and easily walked.

My first visit was limited to two days and nights which was certainly enough to see the city's sights quite thoroughly. However, there are a lot of things to see nearby and I just didn't have enough time to see Bouzov Castle, Mucha's Slavic epic.

Recommended length of first visit would ideally be at least 3 days to be able to see the city and some of the best daytrips in the nearby region.

Must See

I know that not everyone likes museums. Olomouc houses the Archdiocese Museum which shows works belonging to the Archdiocese of Olomouc spanning almost 1,000 years. It is an excellent museum with a diverse and beautiful collection. Easily one of the best museums in the entire country!

While you are in Olomouc you should also make sure to have a good look at the astrological clock in the town center. What's different is that the figures represented are from the Communist period, chemists, workers, athletes. Quite a fascinating thing really.

Pros and Cons

Pros:no tourist hordes, clean, vibrant city. The Archdiocese museum!
Cons:hotel prices are a bit pricey
In a nutshell:A gem of a city, great sights, nice people and a great energy

Last visit to Olomouc: Sep 2011
Intro Updated Feb 2, 2013
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Reviews (29)

Chapel of Jan Sarkander Things to Do (16)

Jan Sarkander (1576-1620) was sainted by Pope John Paul during his visit to the city in 1995. He had studied in Olomouc... more travel advice

Olomouc as part of Moravia Local Customs (4)

You will often see the eagle with checkers on it, that is the traditional symbol of Moravia, one of the regions that has... more travel advice

Hauenschild palace Things to Do (16)

This Renaissance palace belonged to the Hauenschild of Furstenfeld family and was built around 1583. Obviously to have... more travel advice

Marian plague column- lower square Things to Do (16)

Following the plague that struck Olomouc in 1713-15 the column with the Virgin Mary was raised in the center of the... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All Olomouc's Hostel
Transportation (3)
See All Trains from Olomouc

Restaurants (2)
See All Local specialties
Shopping (2)
See All Team clothing

Comments (12)

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elpariente May 7, 2013 at 1:04 AM

Olomuc is in my "pending" list and after seen your tips it has advanced in the list
Very good photos and interesting tips
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TheTravelSlut Apr 4, 2013 at 9:27 AM

You are so right,,,a true hidden gem of a destination,,, :)
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nicolaitan Mar 8, 2013 at 10:15 AM

decided to visit a top page of yours for a city i had never heard of. great village, love the fountains and particularly the mythology that goes with them. nice page, enjoyable reading.
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LoriPori Oct 16, 2012 at 3:56 AM

The St. Wenceslas Cathedral is magnificent but even more impressive is the Holy Trinity Column. Seems you enjoyed your visit to Olomouc.
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globetrott Sep 26, 2012 at 3:37 PM

You have made a lot of great updates here on this page since my last visit ! Thanks for sharing !
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yooperprof Aug 17, 2012 at 9:00 PM

This looks like one of those lovely "off the beaten track" places which are so numerous in the Czech Republic and neighboring Slovakia.
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Regina1965 Jul 3, 2012 at 6:53 PM

The Holy Trinity Column looks so beautiful, a lovely page.
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german_eagle Jun 26, 2012 at 5:02 AM

Very good page. I remember the plane crash ... very sad. I like Olomouc a lot, must go back soon.
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hunterV Mar 9, 2012 at 8:25 AM

Hi, Val!~ The city looks very much like our Lviv which I visited last year...Thanks for your description!~
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balhannah Nov 3, 2011 at 2:16 AM

Lovely page! I love all those interesting fountains and especially the Holy Trinity Column. Looks and sounds like a city really worth a visit.